Venaforce® – Horse Chestnut tablets for varicose veins

Horse chestnut is probably the most popular herb used in the treatment of varicose veins. It is the seeds of the horse chestnut tree which are used medicinally – and these are the same seeds gathered each autumn for the game of conkers.

Dosage of Venaforce® Horse Chestnut tablets
Venaforce® may be used by adults (over 18 years of age) seeking a herbal treatment for symptoms of varicose veins.

Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily immediately after food.

Venaforce® is for oral use only. Tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Taking too much is unlikely to be harmful.

Who can't take Venaforce®?

Do not use this herbal treatment if you are allergic to Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastannum) seed
Do not use if you are pregnant or breast feeding
If your symptoms worsen, or you do not feel any benefit from the treatment within 2 weeks, talk to your doctor
Do not use Venaforce® if you are allergic to peanut or soya
Varicose leg ulcers can arise on your lower legs as a result of varicose veins. If you suffer from leg ulcers or notice them developing, you must see your doctor before starting or continuing to use this product
Ingredients
Venaforce® contains an extract obtained from Horse Chestnut seeds in the form of a gastro-resistant herbal tablet.

One tablet contains 157.5-225.0mg of extract (as dry extract) from fresh Horse Chestnut seeds (Aesculus hippocastanum L. semen) corresponding to 50mg triterpene glycosides, calculated as anhydrous ß-aescin.

This product also contains soya polysaccharide. Do not use if you are allergic to peanut or soya.

Side effects
Like all medicines, this product can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Minor side effects: The following minor side effects can occur when using this product. These are uncommon and likely to affect between 1 in every 1,000 and 1 in every 100 people.

Digestive symptoms such as: feeling sick, stomach discomfort, wind, diarrhoea

Skin reactions such as: itching, rash, red, itchy spots (urticaria)
Discontinue use if you find these are troubling you. Talk to a doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare advisor if you are concerned.

If any of the side effects become serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I take Venaforce® with other medication?

Yes, you can use this herbal remedy with any other medicine.

2. How long will it be before I see signs of improvement?

If the herbal treatment is helping, you should feel an improvement within two weeks.

3. Can I use it for thread veins?

Thread veins are a form of varicose vein. Venaforce® can be used to help relieve swelling, making their appearance less prominent.

4. Will it reduce the prominence of the veins?

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, the cosmetic appearance of varicose veins (swelling) may improve with treatment.

5. Why are they called GR tablets?

GR stands for Gastro-resistant. This means that the tablet is specially coated and won't break down in the stomach (where it could potentially be irritating due to its constituents) but in the small intestine where it won't have an irritating effect.